Official Opening of Major Project in Chatteris

Official Opening of Major Project in Chatteris

A million pound project in Chatteris has been successfully delivered and is to be marked with the official opening of new community rooms and the refurbished Council Chambers.

The exciting scheme, funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, has been delivered by Chatteris Town Council and includes the opening of a new museum for the town and the provision of 5 community rooms.

The successful completion of the project will be marked on Friday 21^st February with a cheese and wine evening hosted by the Mayor of Chatteris, Cllr Anne Hay, in the new look Council Chambers. Those expected to attend include the Lord Lieutenant, representatives of the Combined Authority, civic dignitaries, local councillors and representatives of local organisations.

Thanks to the Growing Fenland Project funding, the Town Council purchased 2 Park Street, the former Barclays Bank, and converted it to a museum and community room with commercial offices above.

With the museum moving out of 14 Church Lane, the Council was able to expand its chambers and offices into areas previously occupied by the museum, extend the first floor and create two residential flats at first floor level and four, fully accessible community rooms on the ground floor.

Rental income from the flats is helping to pay towards services in the town including the Christmas Lights, In Bloom, youth services, the Pocket Park and Citizens Advice Bureau as well as providing housing for young residents.

The museum volunteers have already gained a major national award and the museum continues to go from strength to strength with increased footfall and a record number of volunteers helping to run the museum, look after its artefacts and put on varied displays.

The ambitious project has met its key targets by bringing a redundant, prominent building in a key position in the town back into use and has brought culture to the high street helping to ensure the centre of Chatteris remains vibrant and viable. Instead of the promised one new community room, it has delivered five community rooms

The community rooms are available for small meetings, consultations and to deliver services for the people of Chatteris. The rooms are already being used by Citizens Advice Rural Cambs and to provide hearing services for the town but there are plenty of opportunities to use the centrally located rooms for other functions.  Anyone interested should contact the Clerk at clerk@chatteristowncouncil.gov.uk

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: “This project is a shining example of how targeted investment can breathe new life into our communities. By transforming a disused building into a vibrant hub for culture, services, and community engagement, we’re not only preserving the heritage of Chatteris but also ensuring its future as a thriving town centre. The new museum, expanded council facilities, and accessible community rooms will serve as invaluable assets for residents and visitors alike.”

Officers from Chatteris Town Council, who worked with a local architect and building contractors to deliver the scheme, wish to pass on their grateful thanks to the officers at the Combined Authority who were so supportive throughout the process.